5 Series E12 vs Volga 24 24 / 24-10: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E12 (1972–1981) vs GAZ Volga 24 24 / 24-10 (1970–1992): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E12
GAZ Volga 24 24 / 24-10Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E12 | GAZ Volga 24 24 / 24-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1972–1981 | 1970–1992 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 (520) | 2.4 (ZMZ-24D / 402) |
| Power, up to | 122 hp | 95 hp |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | — | 4 735 mm |
| Width | — | 1 800 mm |
| Height | — | 1 490 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2 800 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E12
Pros
- No data
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1981, condition is everything
GAZ Volga 24 24 / 24-10
Pros
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- ZMZ-402/409, UMZ engine: chain and hydraulic tensioner noise (ZMZ-409)
- Age: the last cars were built in 1992, condition is everything
Engine (ZMZ-402/409, UMZ): chain and hydraulic tensioner noise (ZMZ-409); oil leaks; overheating.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E12 — if you care more about: power, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E12 or Volga 24 24 / 24-10?
5 Series E12: up to 122 hp, Volga 24 24 / 24-10: up to 95 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E12 — about 16 475 ₸, Volga 24 24 / 24-10 — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.